Berkshire UCP Executive Director to Leave Post in April

Christine Singer

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — United Cerebral Palsy Association of Berkshire County is losing its director of 18 years this April.

Christine Singer is resigning to focus on her business, Your Personal Best: Workshops for Success, a Massachusetts certified woman-owned business enterprise. Singer is UCP's second executive director, having stepped into the post following the retirement of the late Mitzi Scelsi, who spent 34 years with the organization.

"On behalf of the board of directors, we want to thank Christine for her 18 years of dedicated service to the organization and our mission. Although we are sad to see her go, we are excited for Christine as she initiates this next stage in her life and career. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Christine, and we are so grateful for her exemplary leadership and dedicated commitment to the UCP team and the consumers we serve," UCP Board President Anthony Hyte said.

Since starting at UCP, Singer has expanded the programming offerings from a handful to over 18 services for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities and their families. Singer was recognized with the UCP Mitzi Scelsi Staff Recognition Award in 2006 for her outstanding leadership of the agency, especially in the areas leading the agency in its first capital campaign to purchase and renovate the Pittsfield office, and for program service expansion.

In 2007, she received the Women of Achievement Award from the Berkshire Business and Professional Women, and in 2008 she received the Rotary District 7890 Service Above Self Award for her leadership role in creating the Rotary Club of Pittsfield's boundless playground at Springside Park. Singer has also been recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the service and dedication she has given to individuals with disabilities. In addition, she has served on numerous boards throughout the community and is president and concertmaster of the Stockbridge Sinfonia Inc.

Singer's dedication to the UCP brand and mission go well beyond just here in Berkshire County. Singer is the regional affiliate conference chair for the Northeast contingent of UCP affiliates.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.